Terms and Conditions

Introduction

JukePop Serials is the premier online destination for serial fiction. Before you start reading the content on the www.jukepop.com website, JukePop mobile app, or other JukePop-created content display format (collectively, the “Website”) or submit your story to us, please take a few minutes to read the following terms and conditions (“Terms”), which constitute a binding agreement between you and JukePop, Inc. (“JukePop”).

If you don’t agree with these Terms in their entirety, please stop using the Website, as you are not granted access to either read or contribute content.

Readers:Disclaimer. JukePop is not in any manner responsible for the communications or materials posted or created by third party authors or editors. This includes but is not limited to 1) reader comments or reviews (collectively, “Comments”), or 2) serial stories or revisions / additions by editors (collectively, the “Content”). The Comments, Content and Website are provided strictly “as-is.” By providing you with the ability to view or contribute Content, JukePop is not undertaking any obligation or liability relating to any Content (including your satisfaction with the Content) or activities on the Website. You read the Content at your own risk. This disclaimer applies to all Content on the site, including unlocked Content via payment or donation.

Privacy. When you use the Website, the Website may collect usage data in order to improve JukePop’s services (such as data for analytics) or to improve the performance of the Website. This data is anonymous, and the Website does not collect personally identifiable information as part of this process. By using the Website, you assent to this collection and JukePop’s use of the data.

Information Collected Upon Registration: When you create a JukePop user profile, you have the option of providing to JukePop certain information (like age, gender etc.) that may be made public and / or shared with other JukePop users. This additional profile information (“Profile Information”) is entirely voluntary; if you do not want it to be made public, do not provide this information. You must be over 13 years old to create user profiles and provide Profile Information; if you are 13 to 17 years old, you need to get a parent’s permission first to create a profile or provide any Profile Information.
For Current and Potential JukePop Content Contributors (serial story authors, editors):

General Submission Requirements. In order for your submitted serial story (the “Serial(s)”) to be considered for inclusion on JukePop Serials, you are agreeing to all of these terms and conditions. If you don’t agree, please notify us immediately and we will remove your Serial(s). For the sake of clarity, if you are a JukePop contributor (serial story author / serial story editor; collectively, “Contributor”) display of your Content on the JukePop Website further signifies your assent to these terms.

You must be over 13 years old to submit Content that you have written for posting on the Website. If you are 13 to 17 years old, you need to get a parent’s permission first. JukePop has no obligation to utilize or otherwise display any submitted Content and shall do so only in its sole discretion. JukePop has the right, but not the obligation, to review and edit any Content, and may remove any Content from the Website at any time at its sole discretion.

For your original Content, you represent and warrant to JukePop that: (1) the Content is your original work of authorship; and (2) the Content fully complies with JukePop’s content policy below.

Ownership and License Grant to JukePop. You retain all of your ownership rights in your original Content. You wrote it - it’s yours! But in order for your Content to be displayed on our site, we need broad rights to use it.

Therefore, by submitting your Content to JukePop, you grant to JukePop an irrevocable, perpetual, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable, transferable license to use, reproduce, distribute, publish, publicly perform, publicly display, and commercialize (in multiple forms) on the Website (including on JukePop mobile apps) the applicable Content, your name, and your screen name, along with the right to excerpt, analyze, and / or index the Content.

Content Policy

All Content must adhere to the following conditions:

The Content cannot violate any third-party copyright. For example, no fan-fictions of existing, copyrighted works.

The Content cannot contain any defamatory or libelous material.

Absolutely no racism, bigotry, hatred or physical harm of any kind against any non-fictitious group, corporation, or individual. Similarly, no harassment of a non-fictitious individual, or stories containing telephone numbers, street addresses or email addresses of any real group, corporation, or individual.

No erotica or excessively violent content.

The Content does not violate any applicable law, including any rights of publicity or privacy.

Copyright and Libel Policy

JukePop is a strong proponent of copyright laws, and adheres to the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (“DMCA”). If you believe that your work has been copied on JukePop in a way that constitutes copyright infringement, please notify us in accordance with the requirements of the DMCA.

Our designated agent under the DMCA for the receipt of any notification of claimed infringement is admin@jukepop.com

If you believe JukePop contains material that is libelous of you or otherwise violates your non-copyright interests, please immediately notify us at admin@jukepop.com with a specific, detailed explanation of your concern. We will make commercially reasonable efforts to investigate and, if appropriate, remove offending Content.

Miscellaneous Terms

The Website, all JukePop materials on the Website (serial stories, comments) or displayed elsewhere (such as the JukePop mobile apps), and JukePop-provided services (such as Edit Chapter) are provided “as is” and without warranties of any kind, whether express or implied.

JUKEPOP,INC. DOES NOT MAKE, AND HEREBY DISCLAIMS, ANY AND ALL WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND WITH RESPECT TO THIS WEBSITE, THE CONTENT, AND ANY OTHER MATERIALS PROVIDED THROUGH THE WEBSITE, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT AND ANY WARRANTIES ARISING FROM A COURSE OF PERFORMANCE, A COURSE OF DEALING OR TRADE USAGE. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL JUKEPOP OR ANY OF ITS MEMBERS, MANAGERS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, OR SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE TO ANY PERSON FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, PUNITIVE, INDIRECT OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, LOSS OF PROFITS OR REVENUES, LOST DATA OR INFORMATION) ARISING FROM OR RELATING TO THE WEBSITE, THE CONTENT OR ANY OTHER MATERIALS PROVIDED THROUGH THE WEBSITE, EVEN IF JUKEPOP IS INFORMED IN ADVANCE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES AND NOTWITHSTANDING ANY FAILURE OF ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF ANY LIMITED REMEDY. IN ADDITION, JUKEPOP’S AGGREGATE LIABILITY SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS (USD $100).

You agree to fully indemnify, defend, and hold JukePop and its officers, directors, members, managers, employees, agents, affiliates, suppliers, successors, and assigns harmless from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, and expenses (including without limitation reasonable fees and costs for attorneys and investigations) arising out of, based on, or in connection with: (i) your improper use of the Website, (ii) the representations and warranties concerning any Content you submit to the Website (including, but not limited to, any claims relating to infringement or violation of any third-party copyrights, rights of privacy or publicity and other intellectual property rights) or (ii) your violation of any term of these Terms. This indemnification obligation will survive your use of the Website.

These Terms, and any rights and licenses granted hereunder, may be assigned by JukePop without restriction.

The JukePop Serials Website is based in the United States. Therefore, JukePop makes no claims concerning whether the Website and/or Serials may be downloaded, viewed, or be appropriate for use outside of the United States, and whether inside or outside of the United States, you are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the laws of your specific jurisdiction.

These Terms, and all matters arising directly or indirectly from your access to or other use of this Website, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, without regard to its conflict of laws rules. You hereby submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located in Santa Clara County, California, and waive any jurisdictional, venue, or inconvenient forum objections to such courts.

If any provision of these Terms are held to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such illegality, invalidity or unenforceability shall apply only to such provision and shall not in any manner affect or render illegal, invalid or unenforceable any other provision of these Terms, and that provision and these Terms generally shall be reformed, construed and enforced so as to most nearly give lawful effect to the intent of the parties as expressed in these Terms.

Except as otherwise noted, these Terms (including any addendums or amendments) constitute the entire agreement between you and JukePop with respect to the Content and the Website. JukePop Content Contributors may also be bound by additional terms for their specific Content, which shall govern as applicable. Otherwise, these Terms supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications and proposals, whether electronic, oral or written, between you and us with respect to the Website and Content. These terms and conditions may be changed by JukePop, in its sole discretion, at any time. If you do not agree with them, you do not have permission to view or contribute Content.

The trademarks, logos, and service marks (collectively the "Trademarks") displayed on the JukePop Serials Website are registered and unregistered trademarks of its affiliates and others. You can view trademarks owned by JukePop at this link. Nothing contained on the JukePop Website should be construed as granting, by implication, estoppel, or otherwise, any license or right to use any Trademark displayed on the JukePop Website without the written permission of JukePop Inc. Your misuse of the Trademarks displayed on this Website, or any other content on the JukePop Website, except as provided herein, is strictly prohibited.

Additional Terms for the Aspiring JukePop Author Program

In order for your serial to be considered for use in the Aspiring JukePop Author Program (the “AJAP”), you must first read and agree to this addendum (“Addendum”) to the Master JukePop Serials Terms and Conditions above (“JukePop T’s and C’s”), which are incorporated by reference into these additional terms. If these terms are not acceptable to you, please inform us and we will remove your serial from consideration in the AJAP.

The JukePop T’s and C’s remain in full force and effect, including but not limited to the terms around the license grant, ownership, and publishing process. However, if there is any conflicting term between this Addendum and the JukePop T’s and C’s, the applicable term provided in this Addendum shall supersede.

It is JukePop’s sole discretion to determine which stories or authors are in the AJAP, the “full” JukePop Serials program (“JPS”), or declined from JukePop completely.

a. AJAP writers may become full JPS writers if certain criteria are met. The main criteria for moving into full JPS writer status is your receiving sufficient endorsements from other JPS authors. The number (and specific form) of endorsements will be announced by JukePop, and can be changed by JukePop at any time.

AJAP writers may also become full JPS writers based on a certain number of +Votes received, but only on a case by case basis determined by JukePop.

Once an AJAP writer becomes a full JPS author, i) all previous +Votes during the AAP period for the applicable serial is reset, but the serial remains on reader bookshelves; ii) stories are now eligible for monthly cash rewards if ranked in the JukePop top thirty (“JP 30”) or other similar criteria; iii) stories can be featured in JukePop’s mobile app(s); and iv) the former AJAP writer will no longer be visible in the "Aspiring JukePop Author" section, and instead is moved to the full JPS section.

AJAP serials will not be featured in JukePop’s mobile apps. However, AJAP serials are eligible for other JukePop services, such as notifications, commenting, +Votes, etc.).

I just had to say congrats to everyone who participated in the Avon Fan Lit!! Now that I'm back home, I can't wait to read everyone's submission!! I really wish I could have participated, but travel plans wouldn't let me. You're all super talented writers with such unique voices and I look forward to seeing your names in bookstores everywhere!!

I just had to say congrats to everyone who participated in the Avon Fan Lit!! Now that I'm back home, I can't wait to read everyone's submission!! I really wish I could ...
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Can I just give a huge shoutout to Cathy Maxwell? You have been such an attentive mentor this round. We know you're a busy woman, and appreciate all your time and effort into helping us grow as writers. Your words of wisdom and encouragement go a long way! Thank you!! :-)

Can I just give a huge shoutout to Cathy Maxwell? You have been such an attentive mentor this round. We know you're a busy woman, and appreciate all your time and effort ...
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Max and Felicity finally have their happy ending! Congrats to FanLit's chapter 5 winner, Cheryl Tapper!
Thank you to everyone who participated!! This has been a fabulous contest and we hope you had fun writing! We'll be announcing the grand prize winner on Monday!

Max and Felicity finally have their happy ending! Congrats to FanLit's chapter 5 winner, Cheryl Tapper!
Thank you to everyone who participated!! This has been a ...
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Cheryl TapperI’m late to the party, but gosh-dang, I can’t tell you how AMAZED and THRILLED and completely SHOCKED I was when I checked my phone at work (Thank you, Laura Tatum!) and saw this news waiting for me. This has been an amazing ride, and I’m so proud to have been a member of this Avon FanLit crew. My thanks to all of you for being such a wonderful support system – we all won something in this process. My greatest *win* just happens to be all of you! P.S. Avon Editors – You all are pretty darn awesome too!

Question more for the editors. Is saying 'I participated in FanLit' beneficial when submitting a manuscript even without winning a chapter/overall? I'm trying to decide whether or not I've made a good impression and should I attempt a full romance manuscript, or should I just go back to focusing on the fantasy/sci-fi that I've done before. I have limited time to work on any one project, and I have to admit, not getting any editor feedback on chapters 4 or 5 has felt like getting a rejection letter. I've definitely enjoyed the contest and I'm not giving up writing in general, I just want a better idea of where I should go next.

Question more for the editors. Is saying 'I participated in FanLit' beneficial when submitting a manuscript even without winning a chapter/overall? I'm trying to decide ...
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Cassie LeighKevin, as a reader I don't think it would be a waste of your time to write romance. I thought your work for this contest was good.

7/17/2015 3:20:10 PM

Editor - Chelsey EmmelhainzHi Kevin - I don't think there's any harm in mentioning that you participated in FanLit if you submit something to us. As for writing a full romance of your own...if you've got a story you want to tell, tell it! Unfortunately we weren't able to comment on every submission of each round, but I encourage you to keep writing and, when you're ready, please do share your work with us at avonromance.com/impulse. :)

Some thoughts: You are wise to have entered this competition. If you couldn’t enter, you are even wiser for taking the time to read the chapter submissions. Storytelling is a gift, but the craft of writing and of developing voice is the work we do. I learned from reading the work of others, especially in its raw stages. I’ve gained because I’ve had the benefit of watching other writers grow and develop. Their examples taught me there is no such thing as a born writer. Each of us has to learn our craft and develop Voice one painstaking word at a time.
Before I landed my first book contract, I entered every contest I could that would give me feedback. I told myself I had to be fearless about criticism. I wanted to grow. Back then, I knew nothing. I had many weaknesses . . . but I also had strengths. The feedback from others helped me identify the two.
Today, thirty some published books later, I realize that discovering my strengths was more valuable than facing my writing weaknesses. None of us is perfect. However, I can build on my strengths, make them stronger, bolder, more gripping, and those weaknesses don’t seem to matter as much. In fact, what writing talents I lack pick up their game, challenged by the dynamic created by my focusing on what I do right.

Some thoughts: You are wise to have entered this competition. If you couldn’t enter, you are even wiser for taking the time to read the chapter submissions. Storytelling ...
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Sarah KellyFantastic advice! Criticism is incredibly important. I think a writer can only be bad if they never, ever, ever listen to advice, encouragement, or criticism (and those kinds of people are rare).

7/10/2015 4:30:29 PM

Eve Marie PerryThank you so much for this advice, Cathy! The idea of playing to strengths and making them stronger, as a goal, is incredibly motivating.

7/10/2015 7:21:28 PM

Kevin BoyerGreat advice! I do have to admit that the constructive criticism is fabulous to receive, but it seems to be more difficult to acquire than what I would have thought.

N.C. GossnerThis is great advice, can I quote you on that Cathy? And Congratulations to all of you who entered the contest, I didnt have time to check out all of the chapters, but what I saw was great work.

7/15/2015 3:39:48 AM

Cathy MaxwellYou may quote me all you wish. Pass the word. There are hordes of folks fearful of trying to write. They have the desire, but don't believe they are good enough. Let's prod them on.

7/15/2015 12:52:19 PM

L. Mad HildebrandtI agree, Cathy! Anyone with the urge to write should get out there in public and see where they are at in their craft. Your words are very inspiring, especially when we are at our lowest. Thanks for allowing us to quote you.

Anne-Marie RiversWow - thank you so much! A much needed reminder. It's been wonderful to see all the participants with such varied strengths - but intimidating too. Such a great reminder to focus on what YOU do well!

L. Mad HildebrandtI also would like to follow some of the other contestant's take on each prompt. This is really amazing to see how many different ways a story can be told using the same elements.

7/15/2015 6:39:41 AM

L. Mad HildebrandtAnyone have them copied anywhere so I can get them? Some of the endings make me want to go back and read through that person's other chapters, but I would like to do so along with the prompts and required elements.

7/15/2015 4:11:51 PM

Laura Jill SomersI don't think we can go back and look at previous prompts... I think all we can do is select the submission period on the drop down and look at everyone's stories there.

7/15/2015 4:25:37 PM

Kevin BoyerThe other submissions are still up, but finding them may be difficult. Many of us submitted for all five chapters, so if you search by author name, you should be able to hunt them down one by one (it may take some time though). As far as the prompts, maybe we can put them together for you? I can start with what I remember:

7/15/2015 5:16:27 PM

Kevin BoyerChapter 1: A daring waltz, a whispered argument, and a rude interruption
Chapter 2: A torn dress, a chance meeting, and an almost kiss
Chapter 3: a confession, a collision, and a kiss (and maybe more)
Chapter 4: A gift, a locked door, and words someone can't take back

Question for the Avon and/or Jukepop staff- if none of our chapters get selected are we able to use them for another WIP or other project later? Changing the characters names seems obvious but are there any other things we need to fix/change or are our submissions all property of Avon? Thanks!

Question for the Avon and/or Jukepop staff- if none of our chapters get selected are we able to use them for another WIP or other project later? Changing the characters ...
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Cassie LeighWe are all eagerly looking forward to editor comments. I think I can safely speak for most of us when I say that the editor comments are a welcome consultation prize since not everyone can win.

Hi Cathy,
I'm wondering if you have any advice for those of us whose chapters have not (or will not, since there's only one shot left) on where to go next. What can we do to get our work noticed by editors, publishers, or even agents? I have this huge fear that I'm turning out to be one of those writers who always thought my stuff was good but it's really just average or below. I desperately want to improve my writing and find it so difficult to get honest/constructive criticism. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated and thanks for being our mentor this time around.

Hi Cathy,
I'm wondering if you have any advice for those of us whose chapters have not (or will not, since there's only one shot left) on where to go next. What can we ...
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Cathy MaxwellYou are doing exactly what you should be doing to improve your writing: YOU ARE WRITING. I know of no better teacher than writing and writing and writing. Plus, you are brave enough to put your words out there for criticism. I'm certain you have already had a few insights about what you are doing. Perhaps as the contest has progressed, you've started to feel your stride lengthening, your confidence building, and, hopefully, are gaining a sense of your own voice. I read an interview with Po Bronson when he said it takes "x" number of words to make a writer. The problem is, no one knows what "x" is because it is individual to every one of us. So, if you haven't done it already, join Romance Writers of America (rwanational.org). Enter more contests. Take part in a critique group. Write. Write some more. Be open to the new directions the industry is going including self-publishing on the internet. Network with other writers (indeed, you could create an on-line critique group with the writers in this contest). Above all, be fearless. There is never "only one shot left." Following the direction of your talent, your gift is not about this contest but what you do going forward. Oh, and don't ever give up. Ever.

Candy GrandaCathy, thank you so much for this! Your words give me hope and inspiration and hope and determination and hope and rejuvenation! And did I say hope? Really, really appreciate the advice. Thanks again!